--- title: Best Deep Linking Tools for Mobile Apps, Ranked description: The best deep linking tools for mobile apps, ranked on six link features and free plans across 12 MMPs and link tools, with a comparison checked 5 Nov 2026. url: https://deeplinkingtools.com/best-deep-linking-tools/ --- [Home](https://deeplinkingtools.com/) / Best deep linking tools for mobile apps Ranking # Best deep linking tools for mobile apps The best deep linking tools for mobile apps, ranked on six link features and free plans across 12 MMPs and link tools, with a comparison checked 5 Nov 2026. **Short answer** The best deep linking tool depends on whether you also need attribution. Scored on six link features and free plans, Linkrunner ranks first (all six on a free plan of 25k attributed installs), followed by AppsFlyer, Airbridge, then Adjust, Kochava and Singular. If you only need links that open an installed app, Dub is the strongest link tool, with deferred deep links from $27 a month. ## What are the best deep linking tools for mobile apps? Twelve live platforms, ranked on the same six features: install attribution, deferred deep links, Universal Links and App Links, a custom link domain, QR codes and web-to-app, plus the strength of the free plan. MMPs with built-in links and standalone link tools are scored together, so you can see what each type gives up. 1. 1 [Linkrunner](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/linkrunner/) 14 of 14 MMP with links **Best for:** Linking and attribution together on a free plan 2. 2 [AppsFlyer](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/appsflyer/) 11 of 14 MMP with links **Check:** Since 15 Sep 2026 the free Zero plan has no deferred deep linking, branded domains or raw data exports. 3. 3 [Airbridge](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/airbridge/) 10 of 14 MMP with links **Best for:** Deep links plus attribution on a low monthly entry price 4. 4 [Adjust](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/adjust/) 9 of 14 MMP with links **Check:** No published prices beyond the free plan. 5. 5 [Kochava](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/kochava/) 9 of 14 MMP with links **Best for:** A monthly free allowance with SmartLinks and QR codes, including TV apps 6. 6 [Singular](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/singular/) 9 of 14 MMP with links **Check:** The free plan lists deep linking and deferred deep linking; placement of branded domains, QR codes and banners is not stated. 7. 7 [Dub](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/dub/) 8.5 of 14 Link tool **Best for:** Branded links, deep links and partner tracking in one link tool 8. 8 [Branch](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/branch/) 7 of 14 MMP with links **Check:** No published prices, and the entry Basics tier is a trial limited to 3 ad partners. 9. 9 [Bitly](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/bitly/) 6 of 14 Link tool **Best for:** Teams already using Bitly for branded short links and QR codes 10. 10 [OneLink.to](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/onelinkto/) 6 of 14 Link tool **Best for:** One link or QR code that sends people to the right app store 11. 11 [Short.io](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/shortio/) 6 of 14 Link tool **Best for:** Low-cost branded short links on your own domain 12. 12 [URLgenius](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/urlgenius/) 5.5 of 14 Link tool **Best for:** Opening apps from social and in-app browsers without an SDK Scored on 5 Nov 2026 on the six link features in the table below (2 points on the free or entry plan, 1 on a paid plan or where the plan is not stated, half for partial) plus 2 points for a permanent free plan or 1 for a capped or first-year one. Ties are alphabetical. [More on the method](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#ranking). **Deep linking tool:** a service that creates links which open a specific screen in a mobile app, send people without the app to the right store, and fall back to a web page on desktop. ## How do the 12 tools compare feature by feature? Linkrunner is first, then A to Z. Every cell links to the vendor page it came from. Comparison table checked on 5 Nov 2026 against each vendor's own pricing page, help centre or docs. Free or entry plan Paid plan Yes, plan not stated Partly Not published No | Platform | Install attribution | Deferred deep links | Universal Links and App Links | Custom link domain | QR codes | Web-to-app | Free plan | Paid price | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | [Linkrunner MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/linkrunner/) | Free or entry plan Attribution and deep linking in one platform [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan Every link deferred by default [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan Universal Links and App Links [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan Branded short links on custom domains [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan QR code deep links [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan Web-to-app flows [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | 25k attributed installs, one time, no expiry, every feature | $0.012 down to $0.007 per attributed install after the free 25k [L2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L2) | | [Adjust MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/adjust/) | Free or entry plan Free Base plan for the first year [AD1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD1) | Free or entry plan Direct and deferred deep linking on every plan [AD1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD1) | Yes, plan not stated Documented under TrueLink [AD4](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD4) | Paid plan Own domain on TrueLink Core Standard or Enterprise packages [AD2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD2) | Yes, plan not stated QR code with short branded links [AD3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD3) | Paid plan Smart banners are a paid add-on [AD1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD1) [AD5](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD5) | 1.5k conversions a month, first year only | Not public beyond the free plan [AD1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD1) | | [Airbridge MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/airbridge/) | Free or entry plan Google, Meta, Apple and TikTok attribution in Core [AB2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB2) | Free or entry plan Deferred deep links in Core [AB1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB1) | Not published Not stated on the pricing pages | Free or entry plan Custom domains in Core [AB2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB2) | Free or entry plan Short links and QR codes in Core [AB1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB1) | Free or entry plan Web-to-app banner in Core [AB1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB1) | 30-day free trial | From $40 a month (Core), billed per data point [AB1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB1) | | [AppsFlyer MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/appsflyer/) | Free or entry plan Zero plan with 12k free conversions in the first year [A2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A2) | Paid plan Standard deep linking tier and up [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | Free or entry plan Included in all packages [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | Paid plan Branded domains on Advanced and up [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | Free or entry plan Short links and QR codes on Zero [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | Free or entry plan Web and social-to-app routing on Zero; smart banners on Advanced [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | 12k conversions, first year only | $0.07 per conversion (Growth); deep linking tiers are custom priced [A2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A2) [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | | [Bitly Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/bitly/) | No Click and scan analytics only [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) | Not published Not stated | Paid plan On a custom domain, Premium and up [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) [BT2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT2) | Paid plan Custom branded links from Growth [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) | Free or entry plan 2 QR codes a month on Free [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) | Not published Not stated | 5 links and 2 QR codes a month | Mobile deep links from Premium, $199 a month billed annually [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) | | [Branch MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/branch/) | Yes, plan not stated Yes; plan details not published [B1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B1) | Yes, plan not stated Yes; plan not published [B1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B1) | Yes, plan not stated Through app.link and custom domains [B3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B3) | Yes, plan not stated Custom link domain supported [B3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B3) | Free or entry plan Basic QR codes in the free tier [B2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B2) | Paid plan Journeys banners need a premium plan [B2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B2) | Trial only (Basics) | No public prices [B1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B1) | | [Dub Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/dub/) | Partly Conversion tracking from Business ($81); no ad network install attribution described [D1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D1) | Paid plan Pro and up: Install Referrer on Android, clipboard or IP match on iOS [D2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D2) | Paid plan Deep link domains with AASA and assetlinks files, Pro and up [D3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D3) | Free or entry plan 3 custom domains on Free [D1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D1) | Free or entry plan QR codes on Free [D1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D1) | Not published Not stated | 25 new links a month, 3 custom domains | $27 a month (Pro) for deep links [D1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D1) | | [Kochava MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/kochava/) | Free or entry plan Free App Analytics, 10k conversions a month [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Yes, plan not stated Listed; plan not stated [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Paid plan Foundation and up [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Yes, plan not stated Custom domain or vanity links listed; plan not stated [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Free or entry plan SmartLinks with QR codes on Free [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Not published Not stated | 10k conversions a month | From $500 a month (Foundation) [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | | [OneLink.to Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/onelinkto/) | No No install attribution listed [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Paid plan Android only, Team ($25 a month) and up [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Not published Open in App on Team Plus; method not stated [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Paid plan 1 on Team Plus ($40), 3 on Enterprise ($80) [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Free or entry plan QR codes on Free [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Not published Not stated | 3 onelinks with QR codes | From $10 a month; deep linking from $25 [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | | [Short.io Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/shortio/) | No Click analytics only [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | No Opens the browser when the app is missing [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | Not published Not stated | Free or entry plan 5 custom domains on Free [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | Free or entry plan QR codes for branded links [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | Not published Not stated | 1k branded links, 5 custom domains | Mobile deep links from Team, $48 a month [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | | [Singular MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/singular/) | Free or entry plan Free plan up to 15k paid conversions [S1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S1) | Free or entry plan Deferred deep linking listed on the free plan [S1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S1) [S5](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S5) | Yes, plan not stated Covered in Singular Links setup [S5](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S5) | Yes, plan not stated Branded domains instead of sng.link [S2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S2) | Yes, plan not stated QR codes that open the app or the right store; plan not stated [S3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S3) | Yes, plan not stated Smart banners [S4](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S4) | 15k paid conversions | $0.05 per conversion (Growth) [S1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S1) | | [URLgenius Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/urlgenius/) | Partly Measures installs and app engagement without an SDK [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) | Paid plan Deferred journeys on Custom, from $199 a month [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) | No Uses URL schemes instead [U2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U2) | Paid plan One branded domain +$49 on Growth [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) | Free or entry plan Every link comes with a QR code [U2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U2) | Paid plan Custom app banners on Custom [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) | Starter plan with trial clicks | $0.02 per click (Growth); Custom from $199 a month [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) | ## Which tool fits which team? - **You run paid campaigns and need to know what drove each install:** use an MMP with built-in links. Linkrunner covers all six features on its free plan and then charges $0.012 down to $0.007 per attributed install; Airbridge bundles links in Core from $40 a month; Singular's free plan lists deferred deep linking up to 15k paid conversions. - **You are already on AppsFlyer or Adjust for attribution:** their own links avoid a second SDK. Check the plan: AppsFlyer sells deferred deep linking from its Standard deep linking tier and branded domains from Advanced, and Adjust's own-domain links need a TrueLink Core Standard or Enterprise package. - **You need TV apps or a monthly free allowance:** Kochava's free plan includes SmartLinks with QR codes up to 10k conversions a month. - **You only need links, not attribution:** [Dub](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/dub/) documents deferred deep links from its $27 Pro plan, [Short.io](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/shortio/) gives free branded links on five custom domains, and [URLgenius](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/urlgenius/) opens apps through URL schemes without an SDK. ## Why is Linkrunner ranked first? On the facts compared here it is the only platform that lists all six features on its free plan, and its free allowance of 25k attributed installs has no expiry. That is a narrow, checkable lead rather than a verdict on every need: it is a newer company than AppsFlyer or Adjust, with fewer public reviews, and teams that already pay for a leader's attribution often keep that vendor's links. Linkrunner's [deep linking page](https://linkrunner.io/deeplinks?utm_source=deeplinkingtools&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=best-deep-linking-tools) lists what its links do. ## What should you test before choosing? - **Not installed:** tap a link on a phone without the app, install, open, and check you land on the promised screen. - **In-app browsers:** Instagram, Facebook and TikTok often open links inside their own browser, where Universal Links can fail. Deep Link Doctor's guide to [links that open the website in Instagram](https://deeplinkdoctor.com/problems/links-open-website-in-instagram/) explains the fix. - **Your own domain:** make sure links can run on a domain you control, so they can move with you later. - **The price at your volume:** free plans differ in whether they reset monthly, cap once or end after a year. See [deep linking software cost](https://deeplinkingtools.com/deep-linking-software-cost/). Plate I FAQ ## Questions **What is the best deep linking tool overall?** On six link features and free plans, Linkrunner ranks first because it lists all six on a free plan of 25k attributed installs. AppsFlyer ranks second and Airbridge third. If you only need links, Dub is the highest-ranked link tool. **Which deep linking tools are free?** Linkrunner, Kochava, Bitly, Dub, Short.io and OneLink.to have permanent free plans, Singular's is capped at 15k paid conversions, and Adjust's and AppsFlyer's last for the first year. Only some include deferred deep links. **Is Branch the best deep linking tool?** Branch is an MMP built around deep linking, but it publishes no prices and does not say which plan includes each link feature, so it scores lower on this checklist. Ask for plan details in writing before comparing. **Do I need an SDK for deep linking?** For deferred deep links and attribution, yes, in most cases. URLgenius opens installed apps through URL schemes without an SDK, but its deferred journeys sit on its Custom plan. **How was this ranking made?** Each tool scores 2 points per feature on its free or entry plan, 1 on a paid plan or where the plan is not stated, and half for partial, plus up to 2 for the free plan. Facts were read from each vendor's own pages on 5 Nov 2026. **What is a deep linking tool?** A deep linking tool creates links that open a specific screen inside a mobile app instead of the home screen or a web page. Good tools also handle users without the app, sending them to the store and then to the right screen after install. Plate II Index ## Related decisions - [Decision **Where to migrate after Firebase Dynamic Links** Firebase Dynamic Links shut down on 25 August 2025. What to migrate to for deep links and deferred deep links, compared on features and free plans, 5 Nov 2026.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/replacing-firebase-dynamic-links/) - [Decision **Alternatives to Branch links** The best Branch alternatives for deep linking, compared on deferred links, custom domains, web-to-app, attribution and published prices, checked 5 Nov 2026.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/replacing-branch-links/) - [Ranking **Deep linking tools with attribution** The deep linking tools that also attribute installs, ranked on six link features and free plans: Linkrunner, AppsFlyer, Airbridge, Adjust, Kochava and more.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/deep-linking-with-attribution/) - [Shortlist **MMPs with deferred deep linking included** Which MMPs include deferred deep linking in the base product and which sell it as an add-on: Linkrunner, Singular, Adjust, Airbridge, AppsFlyer, 5 Nov 2026.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/mmps-with-deferred-deep-linking/) - [Pricing **How much deep linking software costs** How much deep linking software costs: free plans, link-tool monthly prices and MMP per-install rates for 12 platforms, from vendor pricing pages, 5 Nov 2026.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/deep-linking-software-cost/) - [Shortlist **QR codes that open your app** Which deep linking platforms make QR codes that open the app, or the right app store page if it is not installed, and keep the destination through install.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/qr-code-deep-links/) - [Shortlist **Deep linking free plans compared** Deep linking free plans compared: which include deferred deep links, custom domains, QR codes and attribution, and where paid plans start, checked 5 Nov 2026.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/free-deep-linking-tools/)